Tonight's Weather...in Celsius?

A viewer from Katy wrote to me this week suggesting we give the temperature in Celsius as well as Fahrenheit during our weathercasts.  He pointed out that "Houston is in many ways an international city." Many of our current residents and visitors are from other countries where Celsius is used.

I'll admit, at first I was against the idea only because our maps are pretty full right now. But we wouldn't have to show the Celsius temp on every map. Couldn't we just show it on the current conditions graphic? There's room, as you can see by the test image to the right.

But is this something viewers want? I've been working in TV weather for almost 25 years and this is the first time someone has requested the temperature in Celsius. I need your input. Please post your comments below. If enough people like the idea, we'll try it out.

Comments

[Leslie]

I work with many Europeans and there are numerous occasions when I need to be able to convert from one unit of measure to another. I am pretty good at being able to give a ballpark range when converting between oF to oC but would like to get better. Having the forecast given in both units would help.

[mikemcguff]

I've been working in TV long enough to know you can't please everyone. Some will want it, others will complain.

[ScottB]

Sure... if you explain it as well.
I'd like to learn more about celsius in laymans terms.

[Joe]

I'd be all for it. You wouldn't have to read the °C temperature on air, just having it on screen would be enough.

(I remember growing up in Dallas, Harold Taft would have the °C in smaller type below the °F on the two-day forecast, and this was in the 1970s.)

Now, on October 10 (International Metric Day) each year, the whole weathercast should be in metric.... :)

[Serena]

I don't see any need for Celsius temps. All they would do is confuse me!

Please pretty please don't do this. I already feel
as if I live in another country!

[catherine]

I think it's an excellent idea!

[Heidi]

I like it! It looks good on there, it's not intrusive and I think many people may benefit from it (us being such an international city).

I say add it.

[Sandy]

Go for it! Years ago, when I was a kid, we were told this country would go all-metric, and it never happened. So many places are starting to make the switch that weather details will eventually change, right?

[Diana]

I also think it's a great idea! you'll never know response until you try. just in case , we all are part of the planet Earth and a multi-cultured people. I watch abc13's weather all the time. Great job!

[Witty Nickname]

Why not give it a shot? Just having it on the graphic won't hurt anything and it might be nice to have a vague idea of what celcius temps are. Whenever I talk on the phone with Canadians (a lot in my job) we always get confused in the conversion.

[kanita]

I think that is the most confussing ideal i ever heard i would not understand what they are saying if they show it.

[Isabelle]

I personally think it is a greeat idea to show Celsius as well. I am from Europe and Fahrenheit was and still is confusing to me. Furthermore, there are many European people coming to Houston, Galveston etc. and it would be a lot easier for them if the temperature would be shown in Celsius. You could show it with the late news at 10.00 pm and at 12.00 with the "lunch" news. I believe that we, who understand Celsius better, are not asking too much, we are not asking for the "metric" system, only for degrees.....:o) Thank you so much for yourunderstanding

[Brandi]

I dont see anything wrong with it, change is always good. Most people wont even notice it. We do have many different people out there, so why not think about them to.

[Natalie]

I see where the person who suggested it, and the people who agree with it are coming from, BUT, we're a country of people who have no clue how to use the metric system. It scares half of Americans to death. If the standard way didn't work out, there's no way it would have stayed around this long. So clearly something has to be going right in order for us to still be using it.
There's always going to be people that want change, want others to change something that has CLEARLY been working spendidly for a while now.
Tim, whatever your decision may be, I'm behind you all the way. I'll just be a little CLOSER behind you if you keep it the way it is! :) lol. :P

[Tony]

We live in a country of diverse cultures, but I feel that people who want to live here, need to learn our way of life, including our scales of measurement. This is still the United States of America, and this is how we relate to temperature.

[Eric]

I think it is a good idea. The Channel 13 weather team is very infomative and this would just add to that. Everything is always very well explained and understood about our local weather.

[Tim Heller]

Thank you readers for your comments! I really appreciate your honesty. We'll talk it over in the weather center and make a decision soon. For those who still want to comment, please post your thoughts below.

[sam]

I think it is a neat idea to have it listed on the graphic as shown. We are an international city, so why not? I say try it and see. Keep up the good work you and your staff do!

[Cole]

I am a current high school student in The Woodlands (Conroe ISD) and they are really pushing the metric system. One main reason that my science teacher gave us is that almost all other developed countries use the metric system. And, honestly, I wish the US did as well. In science class, it is all we use. I say go for it. Houston is very much a "global city" and a little extra trmperature indication wouldn't confuse anybody.

This IS still an American society, isn't it? Are we to have nothing left? Let the international people adjust, I'm tired of having our culture changed. And, no, change ISN'T always good.

[Katie]

I say do it! It isn't intrusive, it isn't confusing. It is clear which is which. If people want to stop watching because you include celsius, then they clearly have nothing better to complain about! :) It isn't about culture, that's not why the weather interests me. It's about SCIENCE, and I love the fact that it interests my kids.

[Jennifer]

Sure this is America, and all American science is done in metric units, so actually this IS how things are done here. I personally think this is a great idea, so everyone can have a ballpark notion of what a temperature of 27 degrees C means.

[iastater]

It's ironic that somebody would complain about being hesitant about changing our culture since it's apparently been changed so much... look around the world and you'll see so much has been Americanized. But I digress. Certainly exposing us to something the *rest* of the world does isn't going to hurt. Heck, meteorologists use just about everything in metric when forecasting.

[Jason D]

Well, at first i would be against it as well. Thats mostly because its unfamiliar. However, i use the metric system all the time at work, its STANDARD. There is no argument that the metric system is better and easier to use. Thats not the issue here. Its not like you are trying to change the information or force it on anyone, its more of a courtesy to visitors or recent permanent international people. NO ONE else gives values like this and its ALWAYS nice to see something familiar. I don't see how that little graphic would hurt anything. I doubt you would LOSE viewers over it and would wager that you could gain viewers because of it.

[Natalie]

I agree with the last person! We're always having to change what we do to staisfy international people. First, on practically everything we have to put English AND Spanish, and now we're going to "satisfy" others with adding the Metric system?! I'm having to adjust to the whole spanish thing, but since I have a say in this situation, I say no. Keep it the way it is. It's been going great so far!

[Curry]

change is part of progress, and progress is the future. if your not able to put it on the air, can you at least offer it on your website. i don't watch the news at work but I'm constantly checking the new/weather online, and it would be helpful that way. thanks.

[Mike Williams]

If that changes, would the wind direction and speed be in KMH (Kilometers per Hr) instead of MPH (Miles per Hr)?? I am for the change, personally.

[David]

I like the idea. Celcius is the internationally accepted measurement of temperature. Plus, those who claim that Metric is "un-American" lets also remember that the US Military measures EVERYTHING in Metric: Distance is always in Metres and Kilometres, Weight is always in Kilos, and temperature is always in Celcius. If it's good enough for the Military, it's good enough for me.

[Nancy]

Why not, who or what is it going to hurt? Most American's ancestors were from other countries and had to learn a new way. This is one way for the "new international set" to learn fahrenheit as well as teaching some of us 'more willing' to learn celsius! Just keep the fahrenheit in large display and celsius in smaller display so it won't take anything away from or confuse any of our elderly citizens. Thank you for asking your viewers opinions!!!

[Joe]

Please don't do it. We have sacrificed enough already to the gods of cultural diversity

[R W]

I would like to see the weather in Celsius. I understand why some people think it is giving in to foreigners, but the rest of world uses metric. Celsius temps would be helpful to any Houstonian that travels or has friends/family outside the US. I look forward to the change in your forcast! Thanks Tim!!

As a high school chemistry teacher in the Houston area, I think it's a great idea. All of my students must operate in the metric system and this would help make it more relevant to them. Given that the TAKS test uses metric measurements, it seems outdated and contradictory to continue to act as though metric measurements are not currently in use in the U.S.A.

[Shirley Layton]

This is the U.S. but we too travel abroad and it would be great to know, instead of having this experience - "Hey I feel awful. Your thermometer is weird. Is 40 too hot? Should I just go to bed and rest or make out a will?" "Hey, should I wear a sweater today? What do they MEAN - the high will be 35?" Yes, I know the formula but it would help to make it more meaningful if we saw it on a regular basis here. They're only asking to show both, not eliminate something.

[John]

You should do it. I spent some time in France last year, and while I have a sense of a kilometer or a liter, I was embarrassed to realize I had no clue what it meant to hear that it was 30 degrees out. Seeing the numbers would help people build a familiarity with the Celcius numbers - and trust me, you'll be glad if you're in another country and trying to figure out whether to take jacket with you.

As for those who can't stand to see it: jeez, is it so horrible to know more things? I like learning about new things, even if they're not useful on daily basis; it's interesting. Is knowledge that scary?

(How do you "adjust" to the Spanish thing, as someone put it? I don't speak Spanish so I ignore it. Wow, that was hard!)

[Crystal]

I really think this is a great idea not only for of the multi-cultural population in Houston, also for the children. I think it would be great to give them just one more thing to think about. Keep their minds churning from the time they wake up! I am behind you with all of my support. For those who may be confused or won't need more clutter for their already jam packed day, I say turn that dusty hamster wheel more time for the kids. Great idea, good luck!

[Jeff M]

Certainly. You might also display the pressure in millibars if you can make room for it.

[Andrew]

I am from England where we have already made the change over to Celsius, a far better system. To the people who don't want to change, "because it us not American" I say this. Farenheit was a German-Dutch scientist who lived in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. His system for measuring temperature was adopted by most European countries, and then discarded in later centuries as the more logical Celcius, or Centigrade, as it also known, was adopted. If you do not want to change, fine, that is your right, it is after all your country, but at least understand that Farenheit is not American. At the end of the day, what made America great is the way the society could adapt to new things. If you stand still, don't change with the times and tell yourself that America is great, because it always has been, you will soon be passed by other developed or developing countries. I know, I come from a country that spent most of the 20th century making exactly that mistake!

[Woody]

I think it is one thing that can make Houston stand out in the nation. I've been in Houston for a while and I am from Hong Kong. Now I got "stuck" in New York City. That self-claimed "capital of the world" doesn't even have Celsius displayed in there. If a small print of Celsius is on the weather, the next time an Asian says "See, NYC is the best place to live in the U.S. because of we get used to it." I can argue "well, you've been using Celsius for a while in your old country. Have you ever seen one in NYC?" Good luck and go for it!

[David Gilbert]

Have you ever heard the old saying " if it ain't broke don't fix it."

[Larry]

I say NO. Go to Canada or Europe to see it

[John]

It is hard for me to understand how someone can get confused if the Celsius is next to the temp. It is smaller and even has a little "c" next to it. Give me a break! It is a good idea, kids learn it in school, but never see it in action.

[Joan]

Yes, you should post in both F and C. The fourth and fifth graders in this state are tested on metric conversion on the state-mandated TAKS test. It might help the parents understand the math so they can help their children prepare for the test.

[Aditya Raje]

The entire world deals in metric scale except the US. Miles, gallons, Fahrenheit, yards, pounds instead of kilometers, liters, centigrade, meters or kilograms is what US is. If US wants to continue doing this, sure, go ahead. But one thing is going to happen. US is going to suffer a lot in the future if it already is not. Coming from an engineering background I see all the major research work done is in metric system. Why? becasue the entire REST OF THE WORLD has to understand. If US keeps up its "we dont need the world..We are the world..Is there a world beyond the 50 states" attitude then things are going to be really difficult for children. Why do you think metric is followed right from elementary schools these days? Older guys are not used to the system, so make it a gradual process. Make it gradual such that when your kids grow up they are ready to face the challenges of the world with the right tools.

Having an attitude such that "Foreigners should learn OUR way of life...dont change things...this is how WE live...take it or leave it" is going to hurt children of the present and future generations. Someone said go to Canada and Europe if you want Celsius. Well, such attitude is taking all the business and knowledge and research to Canada and Europe and India and China.

While the entire world is "Americanized" one way or other be it Mc DOnalds, Hollywood, etc., converting to metric shouldn't be such a idealogical headache for Americans. It is atough task I agree but somewhere it should be started.

I say GO FOR IT HOUSTON! Make me proud I am a Houstonian and a Texan!

[Stephanie Sawyer]

As one who has grown up in Texas, lived internationally, I find it confusing. I have lived my entire adult life in Texas save a year in Paris. This reminds me of having to adjust to others expectations rather than others coming in having to adjust to ours. RE: Spanish in the schools versus English as spoken naturally as our heritage. But I won't get into that here.
Why do we need to constantly adjust to other's expectation because they are coming in? How about them adjusting to Texas, a wonderful Republic, now state, with a proud heritage of its own.
Why confuse the matter of F with C?

[fred]

Please give us some background on this issue. I try (in vain) to find an outdoor or indoor thermometer that DOESN'T have a celcius reading. Is there a law that says it must appear on all thermometers?

In my humble opinion, this is NOT a good idea. I hope the other stations don't do this.

[Sam]

This is a great and long overdue addition. With the rest of the World's adaptation to our culture this small courtesy is the least we can do. You could also consider the long shot that some out there are still in a pursuit of knowledge.

[Bob]

Please please, give us a break. No celcius, this is America and we should do things our way. I don't care to learn celcius and it appears to me as another way to cater to illegals just like bilingual teaching in school, bilingual signs in store and on billboards. I suggest putting the information in the closed captions I do not have to view or listen to.

God Bless America, and our way of doing things right.

[Ruth]

Welcome to the 21st Century! The rest of the world has been using celsius & the rest of the metric system for years. Now if abc13 could just post the temperature in both farenheit & celsius on the weather home page as well.

[Elizabeth]

This is the United States in spite of the fact that people are trying to change us. Please keep things the same. If the people that come here from other countries should try to adopt our ways and not have us change to their ways. I resent having other countries try to change us.

[John Hopper]

I realize that Houston is becoming a International City, a bit too much for my taste. People here need to speak the language and see the weather reported in the same manor it has always been.

How many foreign cities post their weather with an F to please Americans? Just getting a bit tired of catering to other cultures.

[Carol]

Tim, I think you are the Best weather guy in houston, but this metric system is just another chipping away at America. What's next? 13's spanish weathercast?

[John Bufton]

Thank You for including Celsius in the weather report, yes it is the 21st century.

Back you up all the way Tim

[DP]

Its the way you put it... If you would have said it's and add bonus to make the weather report better for us but Nooooo you had to say it's for our international friends. That is a very poor subject right now in time. There are alot of people not so happy about what we have to do for our international friends. So if you put it that way the heck with it I don't want it and I am and was happy the way it was.

[Mrs. P.]

Bravo! As a science teacher, we speak only metric! My students are just finishing a weather unit and love to use the resources found on this site! It will be great for them to use the metric temperatures in their own reports!

[Glenda]

No!!! This is still the United States (at least for now) Why should we have to give up something else, just another bite into changing our county to fit what someone else wants. What happened to going to the U.S.for a better life and YOU changing for your new county. If we travel somewhere else they sure do not change for the Americans. I'm tired of having to punch one for English in what is an English speaking county.

[LeVern]

You must be kidding me? I can't believe there is such an uproar over "displaying" the temp. in celsius. Until now I never realized that the celsius temp. was not included. I'm originally from the midwest where the celsius temp has been broadcast since the 80s. Come on Houston let's face it there's more to the world than what happens inside beltway 8. The fact that people are upset over this is a real shame and it only supports the negative stereotypes associated with Texans. Remember Houston is the 4th largest city in the most advanced nation in the world, let's be a little more mature about this.

[Buddy Sauer]

Having celcius as part of the weathercast is really not necessary. As far as having information for our international visitors, they would certainly understand that this is the United States & that this our system. We don't use the metric standard even though it's taught in our schools as another subject. If KTRK continues to use celcius then why not use meters, kilometers, stones, etc for distances & weights. Using celcius by itself is no big deal but I feel that it's the start of getting away from the American way & trying to pacify foreign entities.

[Diane]

If all you plan on doing is to show the current temps in celcius, no problem. However, if you begin showing every weather measurement that way, I may switch channels, and I've been a very loyal 13 watcher since 1970 when I moved here.

[Rita]

Great idea for such an international city! I'm looking forward to learning also! At times I find myself multi-tasking as I am listening to the news, so having you say it as well as showing it on the graphic would be great! You are my #1 station!!!!

[Bob]

Please, please, discontinue to cater to people of other countries. We are (we were) the greatest country in the World, but we are catering to the people who want to bring us to their level. We are not very close to their level. I will discontinue watching your fine station if you continue past Thursday night.

God Bless America, Keep It Together, Despite the Illegals,
Bob

This is still The United States of America, or what's left of it. Lets stay away from the metric system.

[Mary]

Thanks for catering to the illegals.

[Paul Trusten, Public Relations Director, U.S. Metric Association]

I need to correct one statement I made in my previous post. The Texas State Board of Pharmacy reported that the mix-up between milliliters and teaspoonsful constituted ONE OF the most common complaints received. The Board did not report this error as the most common.

[Jeff]

I think it's a great idea. It's such a simple thing to do that will help us learn something new.

Every other country in the world uses degrees Celsius, so seeing the Celsius equivalent to the current Fahrenheit temperature allows us to get familiar with the equivalents.

The people complaining seem to be insecure about what it means to be an American. I'd say football and good barbecue are much more important to our culture than what measurement system we use.

[David Ryder]

Excellent Idea. Celsius should definitely be shown. We broke off from England a long time ago, so why should we use the English system. Remember, the Metric System is the American way... Not the English System, which literally immortalizes the former King of England. Although, Fahrenheit came from Germany (NOT America).

[Kevin]

I'm coming to the discussion a little late, but if the Fahrenheit and Celsius/Centigrade choice is so hard (even though no one's saying that celsius is replacing fahrenheit), why not just do away with both and use Kelvin instead? Telling someone it's going to be 273.14 kelvin tonight and that they may need to bring in their plants may cause less confusion than just saying it's going to be 0 degrees celsius... I'm from England originally and I've kind of got used to fahrenheit, but when we're dealing with issues like ice, freezing rain, snow and frost, I find it so much easier to use celsius, as the point of freezing is at 0 degrees celsius which is a pretty good place to start counting up from - the number 32 isn't such a great place to start counting up as we have to with fahrenheit. As for the "change is bad" comments - Britain had to change from pounds and ounces to grams and kilograms and pints and gallons to millilitres and litres and the 12 hour clock to the 24 hour clock when we joined Europe. We all complained, and companies were all banned from using the old measurements again, but you know, the European economy and British economies haven't done so badly since then because they became more global and competitive by standardizing with the rest of the world.

With that, I'm off for 568.26125 ml of beer.

[Steven V]

I go to a lot of American Conferences on various processing subjects and I have never seen someone give a presentation with Farenheit temperatures. Everyone uses Celsius, apparently just like the US Army as one of the previous mailers pointed out. These are all American people talking in Celsius when it comes to processing such items like semiconductor wafers, plating baths and the like. There is virtually no one, even in the USA, who uses Farenheit to indicate processing temperatures in the electronics and chemical industries. So, why not showing this scale for weather purposes as well, since most Americans use it daily at work (unless processing temperature is not important in your line of work).

[Steve]

Thank you for reporting temperatures in Celsius. As someone who is studying chemistry and who is an aviation hobbyist it has literally been years since I have used temperature reported in Fahrenheit. I applaud your decision to have Celsius temperatures even if it just a note on the "Right Now" page; it's a step in the right direction to introduce people to the Celsius scale by allowing them to get a feel for what XY degrees Celsius "feels like" as opposed to simply converting Fahrenheit. Converting temperatures is the wrong way to go about it and is one of the reasons why so many people out there are supposed to Celsius.